Come Monday, September 22, all roads will lead to the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, for the crowning of 2025 UEFA and L’Équipe organised Ballon d’Or winner.
With the exit of the ‘gods’ of football in the persons of Lionel Messi, and Cristano Ronaldo, many round leather mortals are jostling for the coveted crown.
Before now, some 10 years ago, football pundits would with certainty predict who the possible winner would be. However, with the exit of the ‘gods’ of the round leather game, it seems difficult to lay claim on who would wear the crown going by the individual performance of these players within the season.
Here are the top five listed players according to Goalcom, an online sports magazine.
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Dembele has scored 35 goals, 12 assists, and won Ligue 1 and Trophee des Champions PSG in the 2024/25 season.
Many football pundits believe that the 2025 Ballon d’Or is Dembele’s to lose, especially with PSG in the finals of UEFA Champions League.
Dembele could be crowned Ballon d’Or if PSG defeats Inter Milan to lift the UCL Cup.
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona striker has recorded 16 goals, 25 assists, winning La Liga Cup, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana.
If Yamal wins the 2025 Ballon d’Or, he will be the first player to have won the honour before 20 years of age in the almost-70 years of the award.
However, with the exit of Barcelona from the UEFA Champions League final, it might be difficult for the Catalan club’s player to be crowned the winner this year.
Nevertheless, going by his Champions League displays before the exit of the team at the semi-finals stage, Yamal stands a good chance to be crowned Ballon d’Or winner.
Raphinha (Barcelona)
The Brazilian has scored 37 goals, 25 assists, and has lifted La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona this season.
The Barcelonan captain has proven that he is capable of leading one of the most successful football clubs in the world.
Raphinha is arguably the most decisive of Barcelona’s electric front-three, and his raw goal and assist numbers certainly help back that up.
He is obviously playing the best football of his career right now, but if that will earn him the Ballon d’Or crown, will be decided on September 22.
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
Donnarumma, the only goalkeeper nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or had 12 clean sheets and has won Ligue 1 and Trophee des Champions, with PSG, besides qualifying the team for the 2025 UEFA Champions League final.
If the Italian wins the award, he will be the second goalkeeper to win Ballon d’Or after Lev Yashin, 62 years ago.
His outstanding performances in the Champions League knockout rounds, especially against Liverpool and Arsenal, is one of the reasons the team is still in the competition.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mo Salah was obviously outstanding in the 2024/25 season, scoring 36 goals, 24 assists, and winning the Premier League.
However, Egyptian’s chances of winning the award is believed to be very slim especially with Liverpool not playing in the UCL final.
Liverpool was edged out by PSG at last-16 stage, besides being denied the honour of lifting the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.
Recall that Rodri won the award in 2024 defeating the popular favourite, Real Madrid’s Vinicus Jr to the crown.
Rodri emerged winner after one of the most closely-fought races for a number of years, beating Vinicius Jr into second place as Real Madrid dramatically boycotted the ceremony in Paris in protest at their star player missing out.
However, the 2024/25 season does not have the same two horse race competitors, hence, it is open to many individuals who would be selected based on personal and club success.
